Our credit score, a three-digit number known as a FICO score, is key in determining whether or not we’ll get a loan or a new line of credit and how much interest we’ll pay — the higher our score, the better our chances of getting a low-interest loan. (more…)

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The credit crisis and shaky economy are forcing us to change our spending habits. As credit card companies roll back card limits and the majority of us keep watching our wallets, we’re moving away from the days when we just kept racking up more and more credit card debt, charging anything we wanted but didn’t have money for â€” stainless steel appliances, high-definition plasma TVs, new wardrobes, four-star vacations â€” and going back to actually saving up for our purchases and sticking to things we can afford.

Now, with Christmas just two months away and most of staring at limited holiday budgets, some retailers are offering us a budget-friendly, no-debt alternative to credit cards for our holiday shopping. (more…)

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Even if you’ve done your own financial planning for years, in this current period of financial instability, as investments and retirement funds tank and the stock market swings wildly from one day to the next, you may want to consider the help of a professional financial planner.

Here, from The Sacramento Bee, are five pointers to help you (more…)

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In a troubled economy, as college tuition continues to rise while the sinking stock market wipes out years of investment gains, it can be more important than ever for you to find more ways to save for your child’s college education â€” especially when current studies show that parents are woefully unprepared to handle the costs of college. A recent survey conducted by major investment firm Fidelity Investments â€” its second annual College Savings Indicator â€” revealed that parents today are projected to meet just 21 percent of their child’s total college costs.

But put money into a dedicated college savings account while your kids are still young, and you could accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in nontaxable college funds (more…)

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Feeding your family is expensive.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average American family of four spends $8,513 a year on groceries. That’s an average of $709 a month.

And with food prices rising at the fastest rate since 1990, you’re spending even more these days to buy the same amount of food.

By following just a few simple tips, though, you can cut back on food costs and make your grocery budget stretch a little further without having to give up your favorite meals and snacks. (more…)

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